Lesson 1 - Get to Know
the Book
The Grown-Up Scoop
These first lessons are all about discovering this amazing book. Use this time to not only read it, but to start diving into the themes and details of the story!
Below are links to download the Book Pack Plan and Study Guide for Fry Bread. Feel free to use these to explore the book on your own, or as a guide to follow along with as you travel through the sections.
Before You Read
To get started, share this short story summary with your child(ren):
FRY BREAD: Fry bread is food. It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate. Fry bread is time. It brings families together for meals and new memories. Fry bread is nation. It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond. Fry bread is us. It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.
Now, sitting comfortably with your child(ren), show them the front and back covers of the book. Then ask questions, like the following, to stimulate their thinking, to encourage them to read, and to create wonder.
Are You Ready?
Begin each lesson with an African A-GO and A-MAY exercise to bring child(ren) to attention.
A-GO: Means “Are you ready to listen in silence?” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
A-MAY: Means “Yes, I am ready to listen in silence and you may begin.” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
Before Reading Questions:
What do you see on the front and back cover? Who are the people you see and how might they be connected to one another?
Do you know what fry bread is? Can you predict what it is like? Search for a picture of fry bread and show it to the group.
Are there foods special to your family or community?
Why is food important to families and/or communities?
*Reflection: “Children learn through modeling. Your reading rate and voice inflection (pitch, emphasis) play a role in demonstrating fluency. Your expressions, pauses, and excitement foster the love of reading.”
Read the Book
When you are ready, read the book with your child(ren). Remember to have fun with it!
After You Read
After reading, review the story and its details by asking more questions to your child/children.
Post Reading Questions:
What is the story mostly about? Notice each page spread begins with "Fry bread is..." followed by a noun. What does this word choice do for the story?
What is fry bread? What are some of its ingredients?
How do you create the shape of fry bread? Is there only one shape it can be?
When and where is fry bread eaten?
Why was fry bread created? What is the history behind it?
*Reflection: “When you ask questions, remember to give children time to think and develop an answer without rushing.”